Luxembourg in top 10 by number of psychiatrists

The number of psychiatrists is estimated at around 90,000 in the EU (Eurostat)Photo: Shutterstock

Luxembourg ranks eighth in the European Union in terms of the number of psychiatrists compared to its population size, with 22 specialists per 100,000 inhabitants in 2016.

This amount was up by two since 2011, according to a recent statistic by Eurostat.

The number of psychiatrists is estimated at around 90,000 in the EU, excluding the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, for which recent figures are not available.

"This represents an increase of around 4,000 psychiatrists since 2011," the European statistical office said.

The EU countries with the highest number of psychiatrists were Germany (27 per 100,000 inhabitants), followed by Finland (24), Sweden, Greece, France, the Netherlands and Lithuania (all close to 23 per 100,000 inhabitants).

Bulgaria (eight per 100,000 inhabitants), Poland (9), Malta and Spain (both close to 10) count the lowest number of psychiatrists relative to the size of their population.

Between 2011 and 2016, the number of psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants increased most in Greece (from 17 to 23) and decreased most in Ireland (from 24 to 18).

Recreational cannabis

Luxembourg's new government intends to establish a national mental health plan. The main objectives include "the continuation of the decentralisation of psychiatry, the improvement of collaboration between hospital and non-hospital sectors, the definition of acts relating to psychotherapy and psychosomatic medicine, as well as the diversification and capacity building out-of-hospital support," the coalition's agreement signed on Monday detailed.

New government's plan to develop legislation on recreational cannabis aims also at reducing psychological and physical dangers linked to purchase, possession and use of cannabis.Photo: Shutterstock

It also aims "to reduce in a determined way the psychological and physical dangers linked and combat crime at the supply level".

"The main objectives will be to decriminalise or even legalise under conditions to be defined, the production on the national territory as well as the purchase, possession and use of cannabis recreation for the personal needs of major residents, to keep consumers away from unlawful market," the coalition's agreement said.

The text also aims "to reduce in a determined way the psychological and physical dangers linked and combat crime at the supply level. (…) The proceeds from the sale of cannabis will be invested as a priority in the prevention, awareness and care in the broad area of dependence".

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